Crafting a Luxurious Home on a Budget: Expert Tips from Top Interior Designers
Creating a luxurious and visually appealing home doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you live in a cozy apartment or a spacious family home, there are numerous ways to achieve a high-end look without the hefty price tag. To help you get started, we’ve consulted with some of the top interior designers in the industry to share their decorating tricks and secrets on how to make a home look more expensive.
Splurge Wisely
Every room deserves a piece or two that feels extra special, whether it’s a unique antique find or a piece of furniture discovered on a trip abroad. According to Tara Felice Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors, it’s all about balance, and a few really nice things in a space elevates the items around them. For instance, in a dining room, you can splurge on custom chairs at the head of the table and save on the side chairs.
Create a Focal Point
Jeanne Barber of Camden Grace Interiors shares a tip from her mother, a floral designer for lavish Boston weddings: rather than sprinkling a dusting of roses all around the seating area, it’s better to concentrate them down the aisle leading up to the altar, where guests’ eyes focus. The same principle applies to home decor – invest in the focal point, and the rest will fade away. For example, in a girl’s bedroom, the showstopper was the arched window, so the designer concentrated resources there with a blue accent ceiling, custom drapery, and a bench made loveseat.
Highlight Statement Greenery
According to Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs, bringing the outdoors in can elevate any space to another level. Having things like a tree in a nice pot, real or faux, can add height and help with your line of sight and interest in a room. This simple trick can make a significant impact without breaking the bank.
Hang Statement Lighting
Statement lighting can dramatically elevate the appearance of a home, making it look more expensive and sophisticated. Sarah Waldo of Washashore Home recommends using modern floor lamps to striking chandeliers to create a focal point in any room. A well-chosen chandelier can serve as a dazzling centerpiece, while a stylish floor lamp can provide both functional illumination and a chic design element.
Showcase Meaningful Art
Molly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors suggests expressing your style with art that’s been collected over time. A well-curated art collection is a great way to make a home feel more luxe. The most important thing to consider is meaning – a page from a book, a framed piece of jewelry, and a commissioned watercolor from a sought-after artist are all of equal value as long as they’re well-loved and have significant meaning.
Lean into Rich Textures
Lorna Gross, a designer, has one rule: rich textures are just that – rich! They add so much depth and character to a space. Don’t be afraid to layer them atop each other for added excitement. For example, a leather sofa against a red brick wall alongside a lacquered wood coffee table creates a visually appealing combination.
Incorporate Custom Window Treatments
Tara Felice Engelberg of Tara Felice Interiors emphasizes the impact of custom window treatments for a sense of elegance and privacy. Spend on these, she advises. Custom window treatments are pricey, but worth every penny. They need to be high and wide to give the room an expansive feel, and the pleating and draping of the fabric add instant elegance.
Like Us on Facebook!
Play with Pattern and Texture
Nina Grauer of Dekay Tate Interiors recommends playing with pattern and texture to make a room feel more interesting and elevated. Don’t be afraid to mix and match new with vintage for some extra character and an overall luxe lived-in feeling.
Subscribe Us on YouTube!
Place an Emphasis on Scale
Karen Wolf of KCo. Living suggests that furniture scale maintains balance and harmony within a space, ensuring that each piece complements the room’s proportions rather than overwhelming or underwhelming it. Choosing furniture that is too large can make a room feel cramped, while undersized pieces may create an awkward, disconnected look.
Pick Complementary Hardware
Antonio Matres of Antonio Matres Design recommends connecting hardware throughout your space as an easy yet elegant way to add a sense of cohesion and luxury. Stick to complementary styles, and weave tonal elements throughout the space in lighting fixtures, furniture, and decor accents.
Hang Elegant Drapery
Connie Vernich of Vernich Interiors suggests adding quiet elegance to any room by hanging draperies. They soften curves and make a large space feel more intimate. A good drapery wall can not only add privacy to your suite but becomes a major focal point that emphasizes your headboard.
Some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Use a moderate-priced linen for custom window treatments to add texture and luxury to a room.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and textures to create a unique and interesting space.
- Consider the scale of your furniture and decor to ensure a cohesive and balanced look.
- Pay attention to the little details, such as hardware and lighting, to add a touch of luxury to your space.
By incorporating these expert tips into your home decor, you can create a luxurious and visually appealing space that reflects your personal style without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking to update a single room or your entire home, these decorating tricks will help you achieve a high-end look on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I achieve a luxurious home on a budget?
A: By incorporating expert tips such as splurging wisely, creating a focal point, and using rich textures, you can create a luxurious home without breaking the bank.
Q: What is the importance of creating a focal point in a room?
A: Creating a focal point in a room helps to draw the eye to a particular area, making the space feel more interesting and elevated.
Q: How can statement lighting elevate the appearance of a home?
A: Statement lighting can dramatically elevate the appearance of a home, making it look more expensive and sophisticated.
Q: What is the role of scale in home decor?
A: Scale is crucial in home decor as it maintains balance and harmony within a space, ensuring that each piece complements the room’s proportions.
Q: How can I add a touch of luxury to my space?
A: You can add a touch of luxury to your space by paying attention to the little details, such as hardware and lighting, and incorporating rich textures and custom window treatments.
Q: Can I mix and match different styles and textures in my home decor?
A: Yes, mixing and matching different styles and textures can create a unique and interesting space, and add a touch of luxury to your home.
Q: What type of window treatments are recommended for a luxurious look?
A: Custom window treatments are recommended for a luxurious look, and using a moderate-priced linen can add texture and luxury to a room.
Q: How can I make my home feel more elevated and luxe?
A: You can make your home feel more elevated and luxe by incorporating meaningful art, playing with pattern and texture, and using statement greenery.
